Are electric violins good for beginners? Let’s find out

Are you interested in starting your musical career with a stringed instrument? If yes, you’ve come to the right place. Rumors might lead you astray, but we’re here to tell you why electric violins aren’t the worst idea for beginners like you. The sound of an electric violin should be the only persuasion you’ll ever need, but if you’re still skeptical, read on.

We’re here to share every detail to get you started!

Electric violins aren’t the first best option for beginners. However, the influence of an electric violin is still positive in any violinist’s journey. If you want to train in modern music, you can choose the electric violin. The main difference between them is the response time. It’s beginners start with an acoustic violin if you want to be a professional violinist.

Specifications Of An Electric Violin

Number of strings	4. D, G, A, and E.
Material construction	Maple wood, spruce wood, carbon fiber or acrylic.
Tone	Natural and complex.
Price Range	$350-$2000.
How It Works	The electric violin’s signals pass through electronic processing.
Genres	Experimental, new-age, country, jazz fusion, jazz, pop, hip hop, electronic, rock and metal.

The specifications of an electric violin portray a clearer picture of what beginners should expect from this instrument. Nevertheless, we’re sure you need more insights. To begin with – are electric violins good for beginners? It’s an extensive discussion but one that’s intriguing too. Thus, keep skimming because we will answer your questions and some more.

Guide On How Beginners Can Start Playing Electric Violin

Beginners struggle to understand many concepts encircling how to kick start their musical career or passion with an electric violin. And, can you learn to play an electric violin, even?

Well, if you follow a few guidelines, it’s not the most challenging job in the world. Fortunately, we have a few suggestions which can ease your strains while learning this beautiful yet, vital instrument. Let’s take a gander.

Take Lessons

You can take lessons from an expert, musician, or local teacher who is keen to help and bestow their knowledge on electric violins. You can also improvise and mix in a few learning methods to acquire from all possible grounds and enrich your training. Whether you’re opting for the blues scale or the pentatonic scale, your opportunities are endless.

Jamming

Try wiggling your way through jamming sessions if possible. You don’t have to be the best player in the room, but who’s to say that it’s never a possibility? Jamming sessions encourage you to learn more and be confident. The more significant risks you take at this level, the more diverse your palate will be.

Make The Correct Purchase

A solid build and construction can build your career smoothly. Moreover, a pickup or transducer could also amplify the sound quality. Electric violins populate the market in various designs, materials, and shapes. However, the shape or design shouldn’t affect the instrument’s sound quality.

Invest In Amps

Believe it or not, but playing around with multiple amps can elevate your experience. But more importantly, it can guide you into comprehending where your preference lies. Needless to say, amps are of utmost necessity, and you need to invest in them.

Effect Pedals

Fortunately, multi-effect processors are programmed with an array of sound effects. Try out as many as you like and keep it in the chain with sound effects that tug at your heartstrings more. The variety possesses wah, delay, distortion, and more, so the sound effects and field of work are endless.

Have Some Fun!

Local bands are always a welcoming chance to jumpstart your career. Some even play in bands just for the rush. Either way, being a part of bands widens your opportunity of practicing, building your self-confidence, and learning.

Difference In Acoustic Violin And Electric Violin Technique

At this rate, you must be doubting, is it easier to play an electric violin?

Electric violins are easier to learn than acoustic ones. Did you know that even with significant changes in each of the forms so an electric violin is an entirely different instrument from an acoustic violin?

This is why I always recommend learning the acoustic violin first, primarily because of the bowing factors. But is it an absolute, written-in-stone kind of necessity? Fortunately, not!

Let’s explain to you the most noticeable distinction between electric and acoustic violin techniques. That should clear up the air more.

Main Differences In Acoustic And Electric Violin Techniques

Criteria	Acoustic	Electric
Structure	Hollow Bodied	Solid Built
Weight	Less Weight, approximately 480g	Heavier, approximately 570gs
Amplification	Do Not Require Additional Amplifiers	Require Additional Amps
Adjustment Period	Received Immediately	Prolonged Pickup
Sensations & Vibrations	Immediate And High	Delayed And Low
Sounds And Genres	Classical Music	Rock, Jazz, Pop, Hip Hop etc

I am giving you what does the table means in detail below.

Structure

Acoustic violins have a hollow structure whereas, electric violins have a more solidly built and construction. Due to the hollow structure of an acoustic violin, the vibrations are amplified more. Conversely, electric violins need to be connected to an amp to get optimized vibrations.

Therefore, the significant discrepancy lies in how the sound is amplified due to their body structures. Classic violins have an automated soundbox that can naturally do the trick. On the other hand, electric violins aren’t built that way. Hence they require the additional help of speakers and amps.

This also says that electric violins can’t be heard by the public even though there is sound. It’s barely audible, while acoustic violins are perfect for a show because of their proud volume.

Weight

It’s a no-brainer that classical acoustic violins weigh less than electrical ones. In truth, the difference in each is significant. Acoustic violins weigh around 480gs. On the contrary, the electric violin’s weight could differ based on its construction style and manufacturer. For beginners, heavier alternatives aren’t recommended as they could strain your hands and upper body.

Amplifications

When it comes down to this – can a beginner learn electric violin? Often experts recommend starting with the classical violins because you don’t require any specific technology to work with them. Using a classical bridge can be far more sustainable throughout your learning curve than one might think. The bridge placed on the acoustic violin’s body can transmit the vibrations seamlessly to the soundbox.

Quite the contrary, as the electric violin is full-bodied, the vibrations originate in the strings, then pass onto the electrical signals and the amps. With electric violins, the sound quality also depends on the number of pickups and the kind of bridge you’re using.

Adjustment Period

One of the perks of learning the acoustic violin is that the player can directly and immediately hear the notes. However, as the electric violin’s scenario is quite the opposite, the sound doesn’t immediately pick up unless the entire circle passing through the amps and speakers are complete.

Therefore the sensation and path of the sounds are a bit prolonged. This requires a bit of getting used to and adjustments by the users. However, with more time spent on learning and practicing, it can be accomplished.

Sensations & Vibrations

Acoustic users are pretty used to the feeling of reverbs and vibrations. These sensations are more or less inevitable and essential throughout the process. In contrast, the electric violin vibrates less because of its robust, solid build.

Sounds and Genres

This isn’t rocket science, but acoustic violins sound very different from electric ones for many apparent reasons. But, you can also get closer to sounding like a classical violin with a few tweaks in the sound effects of the electric violin. Electric violins can produce multiple genres using the multi-effect pedal. Starting from pop to rock, it’s all on your horizon. In retrospect, people opt for the acoustic violin more if they’re only willing to have expertise in classical music.

Which One To Learn First And Why

The most vital reason why transcending from an acoustic violin is far more appreciated by teachers than the other way around is because of the resonating sounds. The resonating sound is best produced by acoustic violins, whereas the electric violin utilizes wires and other technologies to give birth to the sound.

Resonating sounds are notable in acoustic violins because of the classical violin’s hollow body, natural tune, and feel. This also helps the learner to train their ears to the correct tones and improvise quicker. In electric violins, the noise and sound are muted unless you’re using the proper amps.

The truth is, without turning up the volume and using an amplifier, the sound isn’t most pleasing with electric violins. It’s said that if your goal isn’t aligned with the performing arena, it’s best to stick to classic acoustics. Let’s not forget that there’s an added cost to complete an electrical violin setup, as it all boils down to the sound quality. And with electric violins, you need the extra appliances to acquire audible sounds.

On the other hand, it’s also pretty challenging to transition from an electric violin to an acoustic one. To create a decent sound in an acoustic violin, you need to master a ton of techniques. To be fair, finessing the method once you get ahold of it might take even longer. Then there’s the lack of knowledge in response time in both. Acoustic violins have quicker responsiveness than electric, which needs some getting used to. Other than that, the discrepancies of sound quality are evident in both too.

Additional Cost Of Electric Violins

Higher-end electric violins could cost around $2000, whereas, for beginners, instruments around $350 should be enough. But, additionally, with the electric violin, you will need amps, effect pedals, headphones, speakers, and wireless system, mini-amps, and jack cables. The amps alone could cost approximately $70-$400 or more. It’s safe to say that all these additional elements, along with the electric violin, will cost hundreds to thousands.

Price Range

$100 – $500	Cheapest. Moderate for entry-level.
$600 – $1000	Better build. Good for intermediate players.
$1000 – $2000	Expert craftsmanship. Perfect for advanced players.
$2000 – $3000	Reputable quality.
$3000 – $5000	Improved sound quality and build. Best for professionals.
$5000 – $10,000	Top-tier construction and sound. Only meant for semi-professionals and professionals.

We’re sure you’ve noticed experts pairing their trustee electric violins with headphones. And you must’ve wondered – can you play electric violin with headphones? The good news is that, yes, you can, and there are multiple plus sides to it.

The main reason for opting a headphone is that you can play your instrument silently. You can play for yourself and not disturb anyone around. This also leads to improved techniques and sound effects by you and the violin. Since electric violins use speakers and amps, can you record electric violin?  Sometimes the lowest frequencies could be inaudible. Using headphones cancels out the chances of such mishaps as well.

Luckily, newer technologies and advancements in computers allow such adaptations easily. You might have to work with a few professional software, but if your audio interface, adapter, and connectors are adaptable, it’s worth a shot.

5 Reason Why Acoustic Violins Are Best For Aspiring Professionals

If you’re planning to become a striking professional eventually, you have to make the wiser decision at the preliminary stage. As a beginner aspiring to make violins as a career, you must know the following key points. Stick with us to understand what they are.

Better Highs

During performances, you will notice the varying sound quality distinctly. As acoustic violins have more resonation, they pose a brighter sound quality. Truth be told, nothing sounds better in an orchestra or ensemble. For a more natural tone and feel, professionals can’t deny the heightened benefits of an acoustic. Moreover, there’s the extra work of setting up an electric violin, and players love to avoid that.

The Strings

Most electric violins have four strings, but acoustics can have 5, 6, or 7. When you have more strings to play with, you learn better. Not only will you get a taste of diversity but, it will also broaden your playlist.

Cheaper alternative

The element about beginners is that they’re not often willing to spend an arm and a leg on their newfound obsession. Think about it, are you ready to splurge on an electric violin worth thousands? Yikes.

As harsh as it sounds, acoustic violins are the cheapest and even more convenient for beginners to learn and slowly transition into whichever level they suit best.

No Amplifiers

Acoustic violins work just fine without amps. They sound even more exemplary than electric violins, some might say. But that’s a bit far-fetched. You need to understand where your taste lies and follow that string. The amp-less edition minimizes cost and hassle.

Sound Representation

Even without the need and assistance of multiple types of equipment working in unison like an electric violin, acoustic violins win the race independently. Moreover, acoustic violins have been delivering the exact sound representation for decades that even electric violins often fail to even with the added equipment.

Pros And Cons Of Acoustic Violins And Electric Violins

The merits and demerits of learning an acoustic or electric violin headfirst know no bounds. It also differs between each individual. However, there are a few common ones that all of us encounter throughout this journey. Let’s see what advantages and disadvantages beginners face while learning both acoustic and electric violins.

Pros & Cons Of Acoustic Violin

Pros	Cons
Naturally soothing tone.	Tougher to hold onto the barre chords.
Easier to transition to electric violins.	Strings are prone to a buzzing sound.
Lower costs.	Fretboards are wider, hence strains arms.
Environment-friendly for favorable sound.	Fragile construction compared to electric violins.

Pros & Cons Of Electric Violin

Pros	Cons
Incorporating sound effects creates diversity.	Can have a distorted tone if not played correctly.
You can practice silently using headphones.	Very costly.
Easier to hold onto barre chords for softer strings.	Difficult to find the desired tone even with amps.
Smaller and lighter bodies, hence easier to hold and play.	Transitioning from electric to acoustic is tough.

Our Violin Recommendation

Now that you know all the ins and outs about acoustic and electric violins, you’re ready to fish out some cash from your wallet. Good for you!

Since you’re a newbie, allow me to suggest some of the best beginner-friendly electric violins that can boost your learning experience if you’re serious to learn an electric violin.

Vangoa Black Full Size 4/4 Vintage Solid Wood Metallic Electronic Violin

Beginners need to start with excellent material and the best sound quality. Rely on Vangoa to deliver that and much more. The best part is you can adapt amplifiers and practice silently too. This kit comes with a complete setup. Thus you don’t have to go out of your way to research and buy every additional piece of equipment. At the end of the day, you want a valuable investment, and nothing can provide you with more value and cost-effective features than this! Trust us and make the splurge!

Cecilio 4/4 CVNAE

The Cecilio full-size violin set isn’t worth every penny but will blow your mind with its dripping beauty. The built includes top-notch materials like Brazilwood and Mongolian hair. It’s not only eye-candy but can emit magnificent and crystal clear sound that can tune your ears and let you learn aptly. Moreover, we love a long-lasting investment, don’t you? If you’re looking for an electric violin that can let you accomplish your goal and remain your buddy for the longest time – count Cecilia in!

MIRIO White Full Size 4/4 Electric Violin

Lastly, we have a premium piece for you all. The MIRIO electric violin has exquisite fingerboards, a chin rest, and a tailpiece. Beginners fall head over heels with this creation because of the delicate yet, hardy craftsmanship. The best part is that it comes in full size, so you will get the full effect no matter when or how you play it. Needless to say, its optimum features let beginners transition into an advanced players too. All these and that too in style!

Final Words

We’re sure you have no remaining doubts about your question – Can you learn to play on an electric violin? Trust us, when you purchase your first-ever electric violin, any remaining drop of doubt you might have will be thrown out the window. It’s just that good!

We’re not exaggerating but, you will fall in love from the very first stroke and in the best way possible. Go on and get attached to this instrument, that’s renowned for its art, poise, and breath-taking music.